Privacy & Data Protection

At Newcastle Cosmetic Doctor (NCD), we are committed to protecting your privacy. Your personal, medical, and photographic information is collected, stored, and used in line with Australian law and professional guidelines, including the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC), NSW Health standards, and Ahpra requirements.^{1 2 3 4}

1. Collection of Information

We collect personal details, medical history, consent forms, and treatment records to provide safe and effective care. Clinical photographs may be taken to document results and ensure safety. Information is only collected when reasonably necessary for your treatment and safety, consistent with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).¹

2. Secure Storage of Information

Medical records are stored securely, either electronically (encrypted, password-protected) or in locked clinical files. Access is limited to authorised staff. Systems are maintained with audits and protections consistent with the OAIC Guide to Securing Personal Information.²

3. Retention of Medical Records

Medical records are kept in line with NSW Health policy: adults for at least 7 years after last treatment, and minors until at least 25 years of age.³

4. Patient Rights

Patients have the right to request access to their medical records, request corrections, and receive copies of consent forms or photos. Requests must be made in writing to our Privacy Officer, and reasonable fees may apply.¹

5. Disclosure of Information

We will not share your information without consent unless legally required. Information may be shared with Ahpra, NSW Health, or the HCCC during formal investigations or complaints processes.⁵

6. Governance and Oversight

Our privacy and governance practices are reviewed to comply with Ahpra guidelines, OAIC standards, NSW Health record rules, ARC emergency standards, and ACCC consumer law.^{1 4 3 6 7}

1. OAIC (2025), Privacy Act 1988 overview, viewed 7 October 2025, https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/the-privacy-act ↩︎
2. OAIC (2025), Guide to securing personal information, viewed 7 October 2025, https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/guidance-and-advice/guide-to-securing-personal-information ↩︎
3. NSW Health (2020), PD2020_025 Health Records Retention and Disposal, viewed 7 October 2025, https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/policies/pd/2020/PD2020_025.html ↩︎
4. Ahpra (2025), Guidelines for non-surgical cosmetic procedures, viewed 7 October 2025, https://www.ahpra.gov.au/News/2025-01-31-Guidelines.aspx ↩︎
5. HCCC NSW (2025), How to make a complaint, viewed 7 October 2025, https://www.hccc.nsw.gov.au/Complaints/How-to-make-a-complaint ↩︎
6. ACCC (2023), Consumer guarantees: services, viewed 7 October 2025, https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/consumer-rights-guarantees/consumer-guarantees ↩︎
7. ARC (2025), Guideline 8 – CPR, viewed 7 October 2025, https://resus.org.au/guidelines/ ↩︎